USED Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (99 - 03)

My car

This is a great car but is badly let down by rust on every body panel. I believe that this car was made in Belgium in 1999 and was one of a bad production run. Mercedes have consistemtly refused to accept that this is a problem for which they should take any responsibility for the repairs ...they consider any goodwill gesture would amount to a lifetim guarantee and have declined to repair it.

My car

I have had, from new, a 320 diesel Avantgarde estate. Seven seats, leather, air con and five years old.

Dealer servicing has meant no faults at all and a body that is totally immaculate (had its Mobilo inspection and MOT today - absolutely nothing to report!) Super.

Extended warranty was a waste of money as we have never needed it. Goes like stink but can top 40mpg if you want it. Surprisingly, tows like a dream. Tough as old boots; lives outdoors; drive it, park it, forget it; always ready to go to work next time you climb in.

Best value for money I have ever had in a car.

Anyone got a sub 10,000 miler that they want to sell?

My car

Vast luggage area, strong diesel, safe, very comfy for 4, looks great in brilliant silver , frugal (40+mpg achieved with foot well down), with searing acceleration to boot from slick auto box. However I knew the cars achilles heel when I purchased from Merc Direct, but it's plus points sure outweighed any Mondeo or Vectra. I do 40k+ per annum, and only tend to keep a car 12 months or so before i move on, but unfortunately they have both struck. Rust on a 6 year old Benz is not acceptable, all wheel arches, bonnet and tailgate affected. Alas the ubiquitous wiring loom perished causing sporadic kick down response and loss of power, however it always got me home. The cure for this common problem was an independant Merc specialist. I recommend anyone with a W210 to find one, they will save you 000's.

My car

This car has it all. Nothing is missing from either the equipment level, driving, practicality and performance.

I bought this silver rocket in December 2006 when it was just over 4 years old with 45k miles on the clock. It looks and feels like a new car. I drive around 60 miles a day to work and it's great to slip into the car at the end of the day. The seats are fantastic. The 3.2l engine (mine hass the Brabus upgrade to 242BHP) sounds fantastic, is smooth as the silken transmission, and returns over 42mpg on a decent trip. And I don't hang about either.

Look it's simple. I only paid £15k for this 7 seater estate with all the extras - including original satnav and it cost £43k new.

Why would you spend £15k on a Mondeo or Vectra when you could have this luxury load lugger for less?